Fujifilm Wins Three Top Prizes at the European Imaging `Oscars´

Fujifilm’s ground-breaking sensor, Super CCD EXR and the latest F-Series camera, the FinePix F200EXR which houses this technology, have both received outstanding critical acclaim in Europe. The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) has voted the FinePix F200EXR Best Compact Digital Camera 2009, whilst the award for Best Imaging Innovation 2009 was awarded to Fujifilm’s Super CCD EXR sensor. The third award went to Fujifilm Photobook Brilliant in the category Best Photo Service 2009.

TIPA is a global association comprising 29 different photo and imaging magazines from 13 countries. The hotly contested TIPA awards are considered the ‘Oscars’ of the photo and imaging industry.

Super CCD EXR and FinePix F200EXR

First announced at Photokina 2008, Fujifilm’s Super CCD EXR technology has made its debut in the FinePix F200EXR digital camera. Already primed to be the class-leading compact of 2009, the FinePix F200EXR has been designed to be the ultimate photographer’s compact camera.

TIPA judges were impressed by Super CCD EXR’s ability to change its ``behaviour´´ dependent on the subject being photographed. Packing this cutting-edge technology into a pocket-sized digital compact, Fujifilm have created a camera that appeals to both amateur photographers and professionals alike.

The FinePix F200EXR offers 3 switchable sensor modes that can be manually or automatically controlled: High Resolution mode (HR), which deploys all twelve million pixels, and is designed to offer the finest of detail of intricate subjects when light is full and even; High Sensitivity and Low Noise mode (SN), which caps two adjacent pixels together to produce 6 million large photodiodes, which are big enough to absorb light in the darkest of conditions, to produce low-light shots of extraordinary quality with minimal noise and grain; and Wide Dynamic Range mode (DR), which captures different exposures with two sets of six million pixels, which, when combined, give an unprecedented level of detail in the highlights and shadows that would otherwise be lost.

In a statement for the TIPA judges, explaining why they chose the FinePix F200EXR as Best Digital Compact of 2009, they commented: ``The Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR utilises groundbreaking technology to create an unprecedented level of image quality from a consumer level compact. In EXR Mode, the photographer can choose which sensor setting is preferable for the subject to be photographed by choosing High Resolution Priority (HR) to maximise resolution, High ISO and Low Noise Priority (SN) for high quality low-light work or D-Range Priority (DR) for the best detail with high contrast subjects.´´

The judges went on to comment about why they chose Fujifilm Super CCD EXR as Best Imaging Innovation with: “The EXR sensor is essentially a combination of the known HR and SR technology, allowing the sensor to change its ‘behaviour’ depending on the subject. This moves the Super CCD technology to the next level. A new arrangement of the mosaic colour filter helps to create a high sensitivity image sensor with little noise. A new technology called Close Pixel Coupling helps to minimise false colours.”

Photobook Brilliant

The ``Photo Book Brilliant´´ which was presented at Photokina 2008 is produced on real photo paper, namely Fujicolor Crystal Archive Album Paper, which has been developed and manufactured by Fujifilm for just this purpose. Real photo paper provides brilliant colours, a great reproduction of colours and details as well as longer durability and long lasting colours. Photo Book Brilliant therefore it is suitable for demanding customers who attach importance to excellent reproduction of photos. The special Leporello binding provides high strength and stability as well as complete flatness of the book when it is opened. The designable area of the open book in 20x30cm format therefore amounts to up to 20x60 cm. This is ideal for the presentation of panorama photos.

TIPA judges commented that Fujifilm’s award for Best Photo Service was due to ``Unlike digital press machines, the Fujifilm Photobook Brilliant workflow is entirely RGB-based, and can therefore produce a much larger colour space than other print processes. That means finer gradients, natural skin tones and saturated colours, particularly in the green and blue areas. In addition, photo paper is extremely durable, resulting in photo books of the highest quality.´´

Duesseldorf, April 17, 2009

*Fujifilm Photobook Brilliant is not available in all European markets at time of publication.